Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Christianity in China Grows Quickly, Quietly

Government puts total enrollment at 21M; others say 130M

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 3, 2008 3:32 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Despite government restrictions, Christianity in China is widespread and growing. Authorities typically look the other way, occasionally applying pressure that only seems to spread religion's influence, reports the Economist. Most of the Protestant "house churches" consist of 25 people—the largest legal gathering—where new Christians lead newer converts in bible study. "In China, the 2-year-old Christian teaches the 1-year-old," says a pastor.

China's communist party, officially atheist, has an uneasy relationship with the Vatican, raising suspicion about Chinese Catholics. Protestants see less scrutiny, but clashes remain: China's one-child policy doesn't sit well with Christians. But President Hu Jintao has allowed that "the knowledge of religious people must be harnessed to build a prosperous society.”

China's officially atheist government permits religious observance, but allows worship only in Communist Party-controlled churches. Worship outside that official structure is banned.
China's officially atheist government permits religious observance, but allows worship only in Communist Party-controlled churches. Worship outside that official structure is banned.   (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
President Bush makes remarks after attending church at the Beijing Kuanjie Protestant Christian Church during his visit to the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, China Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008.
President Bush makes remarks after attending church at the Beijing Kuanjie Protestant Christian Church during his visit to the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, China Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Chinese faithful worship at the northern cathedral of the National Patriotic Church in Beijing, China Saturday June 30, 2007.
Chinese faithful worship at the northern cathedral of the National Patriotic Church in Beijing, China Saturday June 30, 2007.   (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel)
Chinese faithful celebrate Easter mass at a Chinese patriotic church in Beijing, China Sunday April 8, 2007. Chinese officials remain wary of the Vatican.
Chinese faithful celebrate Easter mass at a Chinese patriotic church in Beijing, China Sunday April 8, 2007. Chinese officials remain wary of the Vatican.   (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Bishops meet at Vatican next week without mainland Chinese participation
Associated Press

China bans 'Messiah,' other music
Telegraph (UK)

 
China • Christianity • religion • church • Catholicism • atheism • Protestantism • Chinese Communist party

More Newser Stories

China Secretly Meets With Long-Banned Churches

A Call for Separation of Church and Sports

Churches Ask Men to Fight Like Jesus

Atheist Ads to Hit NYC Subways

Facebook: Defining Religion in 100 Characters
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne